Corset

ABSTRACT

A new and improved corset comprising an inner lining and an outer lining coupled together, and forming a cavity therebetween, and having one or more flexible boning strips positioned in the cavity in a substantially longitudinal orientation. The flexible boning strips can be secured to the inner and outer linings by stitching. The corset includes a securing mechanism by which the edges of the inner and outer linings are brought together and secured around the wearer.

BACKGROUND

According to some sources, corsets have been worn by men and women since as far back as the 1500s. The earliest renditions of the corset were made of metal, and served a variety of functions. For example, corsets are thought to have been worn as a type of armor. They were also used as a means of improving posture in the wearer.

Another, and perhaps the most common, use of the corset is to slim the body of the wearer, and conform it to a certain figure type (e.g. a smaller waist, and an exaggerated bust and hips). Corsets are typically worn beneath clothing, although more modern lingerie-grade corsets are designed as outerwear.

The traditional corset is made of a flexible, non-elastic material, such as cloth or leather surrounding a series of ribs, or boning—which serves to stiffen the corset, and give it its shape. The boning is inserted into channels in the cloth or leather, and is typically made of materials such as spring or spiral steel, rigid plastic, wood and even (historically) whalebone. The corset is secured to its user by lacing—which is usually located at the back. Tightening or loosening the lacing produces corresponding changes in the firmness of the corset.

The present state of corset technology is beset by a number of problems and limitations. For example, the more traditional style of corset (e.g. the Victorian style corset) is not well-suited for use with today's formal gowns. In particular, these corsets can smooth out uneven flesh around the abdomen, and can lift the bustline. However, the boning in such corsets is so bulky that it is often visible underneath the wearer's outer clothing. Moreover, the use of rigid materials such as hard plastics and metals for boning makes the corset so restrictive in movement, that it is almost intolerable to wear for long periods of time.

More modern corsets are designed primarily as a type of lingerie, and therefore have more flexibility in terms of mobility. However, these lingerie-grade corsets are limited in other respects. For example, these corsets are often too short, and as such, show a visible “corset line.” Additionally, lingerie-grade corsets are not easily customized to the size of the wearer. Specifically, these corsets are typically fastened via hooks and eyes—similar to modern bras—which generally only have three positions. Using hooks and eyes as fastening mechanisms also impairs the corset's ability to actually decrease the size of the wearer (as a tight enough fit is difficult to attain). Thus, the lingerie-grade corset can perhaps smooth out its wearer's torso, but it cannot reduce the wearer's measurements.

Moreover, lingerie-grade corsets typically have decorative lace or bows that make them impractical for use under clothing—especially form fitting doting such as a formal gown. They also typically include a bra cup in the structure of the garment—which creates difficulties in terms of retail sales. Specifically, retail stores would need to keep large quantities of the corsets in stock to account for both the different body sizes and the different bra sizes of their customers.

All of the foregoing problems, as well as others, are solved by the present invention.

SUMMARY

The present invention is a corset comprising an inner lining and an outer lining coupled together, and forming a cavity therebetween. Inside the cavity are one or more flexible boning strips positioned in a substantially longitudinal orientation. In one embodiment, the flexible boning strips are secured to the inner and outer linings by stitching. The corset also includes a corset securing mechanism, whereby the edges of the corset are brought together to secure the corset around the body of the wearer.

In one embodiment, the boning strips are plastic strips. In yet another embodiment, the inner and outer lining are a single piece of material. The corset can be made of various materials. In one embodiment, the inner and outer linings are spandex. In one embodiment, the securing mechanism is a series of grommets and a corresponding lace.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of a laced corset according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a break-away front view of an unlaced corset, showing the internal boning, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the invention can be obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. These drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope.

In FIG. 1, is seen a front perspective view of a laced corset 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. This corset 10 includes an outer corset lining 12, and an inner corset lining 14. Extending substantially along the length of the corset 10, and positioned in the cavity between the inner lining 14 and outer lining 12, is boning 16.

The inner lining 14 and outer lining 12 in this embodiment are made of spandex or spandex blends (e.g. Lycra® available from Invista, located in Wichita, Kans.). However, it is noted that other types of elastic materials could be used as the inner or outer linings 14, 12, provided they are consistent with the flexibility/invisibility objectives of the corset as discussed above.

The boning 16 in the present embodiment comprises a series of flat, flexible plastic strips. In this embodiment, the boning strips 16 are approximately ½ inch wide, and are thin enough to allow them to bend with the movement of the user. In one embodiment, the boning strips 16 are spaced approximately ¾ inches apart, and run substantially from the top edge 24 of the corset 10 to the bottom edge 22. This embodiment also has two solid cloth strips 18 (as seen in FIG. 2) that have boning strips 16 incorporated therein.

It is noted that the term boning “strips” 16 is not intended to limit the present invention to the use of rectangular strips. Rather, any shape that would provide adequate longitudinal support, while at the same time remaining flexible, is contemplated under the present invention. For example, the boning strips 16 could be narrow, but relatively thicker plastic strands—provided they accomplished the objectives of 1) being rigid enough hold the corset's 10 shape; 2) being flexible enough to allow the user to bend at the waist, sit down, etc. comfortably; and 3) being substantially invisible under the wearer's clothing.

It is also noted that, in the present embodiment, the boning strips 16 are made of plastic. However, the strips 16 could also be made of other materials including, but not limited to, cardboard, hard rubber, or even rigid fabrics, or any others that are consistent with the flexibility/invisibility objectives of the corset as discussed above.

Other features of the present embodiment include a series of grommets 20 set in a cloth strip 19 on the edge of the corset 10. These grommets 20 are the holes through which the corset lacing 30 (FIG. 2) is strung. In the present embodiment, boning strips 16 are also secured into cloth strips 19 to provide additional support.

One advantage to the present embodiment is that the boning 16 is sewn directly to the inner lining 14 and outer lining 12. For example, in the present embodiment, a longitudinal stitch 31 runs approximately down the center of the boning 16, thus securing it in its position relative to the other boning strips 16—which likewise have securing stitching (not shown). This allows the boning 16 to remain flexible, while still imparting structural stability to the corset 10.

In a similar manner, the boning strips 16 in the solid cloth sections 18 can be secured by stitching 26 and 28.

Of course, as would be evident to one of ordinary skill in the art, the stitching 26, 28, 31 need not be in the middle of the boning strip 16. Nor does it even need to be the entire length of the strip 16 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Rather, the securing of the boning 16 could be accomplished by fewer, shorter intervals of stitching. Alternatively, the boning could be secured in an altogether different manner. For example, instead of stitching, the boning 16 could be held in place by an adhesive such as glue. Other means of securing the boning would be apparent to one skilled in the art.

In operation, the top edge 24 of the corset 10 would be positioned just below the bust line. In this manner, the bottom edge 22 of the corset 10 can extend lower on the abdomen of the wearer, thus serving to flatten the wearer's abdomen, as well as to remove any visible corset lines.

Because the boning 16 is secured to the inner and outer linings 14, 12, as opposed to being inserted into boning channels—as is the case with traditional corsets, the present corset 10 is virtually invisible.

Thus, the present corset is both functional and comfortable. It allows the wearer to move about without feeling significant restrictions on mobility or flexibility.

Variations of the Present Invention

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope, and numerous modifications and alternative arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

For example, in the embodiments discussed above, the boning 16 is described as being secured to both the inner and outer linings 14, 12. However, in one embodiment, the boning 16 could be secured to only a single lining (e.g. just the inner lining 14, or just the outer lining 12).

In another embodiment, rather than being secured by stitching, the boning could be a single molded piece having a grate shape—which could then be inserted, as a single piece, in between the inner and outer linings 14, 12.

It is also noted that while inner and outer linings 14, 12 are referred to as though they are separate pieces, it is contemplated within the present invention that they be a single folded piece, with one side of the fold being the inner lining 14 and the other side of the fold being the outer lining 12.

In yet another embodiment, the boning strips 16 are secured on the outside of the outer lining 12. In yet another embodiment, the boning strips are secured on the inside of the inner lining 14.

One corset securing mechanism discussed above is the grommet 20 and lace 30 mechanism. The grommets 20 serve to reinforce the lace holes, and could be made of numerous materials that would be apparent to one skilled in the art. 

1) A corset comprising: a) an inner lining and an outer lining coupled together, and forming a cavity therebetween; b) one or more flexible boning strips positioned in the cavity in a substantially longitudinal orientation; and wherein the flexible boning strips are secured to the inner and outer linings by stitching; c) a corset securing mechanism coupled to the inner and outer linings. 2) The corset of claim 1, wherein the boning strips are plastic strips. 3) The corset of claim 2, wherein the boning strips are approximately ½″ wide. 4) The corset of claim 1, wherein the inner and outer lining are a single piece of material. 5) The corset of claim 1, wherein the inner and outer linings are spandex. 6) The corset of claim 1, wherein the securing mechanism is a series of grommets and a corresponding lace. 